D.C. Councilwoman Muriel Bowser introduced a bill Tuesday that would allow police to more easily arrest people for indecent exposure. The Ward 4 councilwoman said she is bringing forth the legislation after a recent hearing in which she heard “disturbing” testimony regarding sexual harrassment problems on Metro.
Bowser said police officers currently need a search warrant before someone can be arrested on a charge of indecent exposure, a stricter requirement than the District’s surrounding jurisdictions. The bill, if passed, would lower that requirement to officers having probable cause, bringing D.C. in line with its surrounding Maryland and Virginia counties, Bowser said.
The Sexual Harrassment Prevention Act of 2012 “will give police one more tool in their arsenal,” she said.
